July 25 and 26

We are pleased to announce an upcoming online workshop on “Cavendish: Mind, Consciousness and Perception,” which will be held on 25 and 26 July, 2024. The workshop is organized by Pedro Pricladnitzky and Aaron Wells.

Invited speakers:

Colin Chamberlain (University College London)

Marcy Lascano (University of Kansas)

Alison Peterman (University of Rochester

Jonathan Shaheen (University of Uppsala)

Submitted talks:

Olivia Branscum (University of Oklahoma)

Jan Forsman (University of Iowa)

Kevin Lower (Villanova University)

Milena Monteiro Rodrigues (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro)

This workshop aims to explore the philosophical perspectives of Margaret Cavendish regarding the nature of the mind in the context of early modern philosophy and its relations to contemporary discussions. Submissions concerning the philosophy of mind and the theory of knowledge within the context of Cavendish’s work, interpreted broadly, align perfectly with the goals of our workshop. We are especially keen on perspectives that highlight Cavendish’s departure from conventional notions of consciousness, while emphasizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and environment.

Margaret Cavendish (1623-1673), one of the most remarkable figures in early modern philosophy, made significant contributions to metaphysics, philosophy of nature, epistemology, and philosophy of mind. Despite being overshadowed by her contemporaries, her works offer profound insights into questions surrounding the mind, consciousness, and perception. She was a critic of the dominant mechanistic philosophy and proposed an alternative organicist explanation of nature, challenging the prevailing views of thinkers like Hobbes and Descartes. Cavendish’s unique metaphysical views anticipated later philosophers like Spinoza and Leibniz and contributed to a more nuanced understanding of nature’s order and infinitude. Her work also  presents an early form of naturalism, resonating with contemporary philosophy and scientific inquiry. Additionally, it provides valuable insights relevant to ongoing inquiries into whether the entities surrounding us possess consciousness and intelligence.

Talk titles, schedule, and registration details will follow soon!